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Larkhall Letters #4
The Matchmaker's Request
His new challenge: Keep himself from falling in love again at all costs.
At odds with love, Matthew Northcott has firmly decided that he will never marry, much to the dismay of his relatives...and nearly every young lady he meets. Rather than seek a marriage for himself, he attempts to find matches for others, grateful to see that love is not entirely cruel—just cruel to him.
When a letter arrives from Matthew's friend Jack, asking an immense favor from him, Matthew undertakes a new challenge: Find a husband for Jack's spinster sister, Miss Cassandra Warwick before the end of the season. Though a strange request, Matthew is determined to help his friend. But as he comes to know Cassandra and the circumstances which placed her in his path, he begins to wonder who the matchmaker truly is.
The Matchmaker's Request is a sweet and clean regency romance novel, book four in the Larkhall Letters series.
At odds with love, Matthew Northcott has firmly decided that he will never marry, much to the dismay of his relatives...and nearly every young lady he meets. Rather than seek a marriage for himself, he attempts to find matches for others, grateful to see that love is not entirely cruel—just cruel to him.
When a letter arrives from Matthew's friend Jack, asking an immense favor from him, Matthew undertakes a new challenge: Find a husband for Jack's spinster sister, Miss Cassandra Warwick before the end of the season. Though a strange request, Matthew is determined to help his friend. But as he comes to know Cassandra and the circumstances which placed her in his path, he begins to wonder who the matchmaker truly is.
The Matchmaker's Request is a sweet and clean regency romance novel, book four in the Larkhall Letters series.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2022
437 people are currently reading
1303 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 290 reviews
January 28, 2022
Wow wow wow! I loved this book!!! Hands down best in the series so far!
I instantly felt a connection with both characters. And from the “meet cute” they had my heart. This was a book that let you watch them fall in love. Like really see (read) it happen. We are talking real connections and absolutely no vapid moments of “I love him and I don’t know why”.
The story was thrilling. I loved reading about of a spinster, Cassandra, that was bubbly and overflowing with life. She came up with the wittiest things to say. Between that and Matthew’s witty rebuttals I giggled way more than an adult woman should giggle when reading a book. Lets just say I will never view antelope the same again. There’s an aunt in here that you’ll love to hate. Plus an annoying debutant that is a carriage accident waiting to happen.
This story this was a great journey of love and transformation. I would reread it in a heartbeat. Great teasers leading into the last book on the series. It already has me biting my fingernails in anticipation. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
Rating: G, clean, family friendly.
I instantly felt a connection with both characters. And from the “meet cute” they had my heart. This was a book that let you watch them fall in love. Like really see (read) it happen. We are talking real connections and absolutely no vapid moments of “I love him and I don’t know why”.
The story was thrilling. I loved reading about of a spinster, Cassandra, that was bubbly and overflowing with life. She came up with the wittiest things to say. Between that and Matthew’s witty rebuttals I giggled way more than an adult woman should giggle when reading a book. Lets just say I will never view antelope the same again. There’s an aunt in here that you’ll love to hate. Plus an annoying debutant that is a carriage accident waiting to happen.
This story this was a great journey of love and transformation. I would reread it in a heartbeat. Great teasers leading into the last book on the series. It already has me biting my fingernails in anticipation. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
Rating: G, clean, family friendly.
November 7, 2025
kicking my feet and giggling like a maniac what the heck 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
June 2, 2022
Мисля, че се разглезих от приятни и ведри книги с очарователни герои и много смях и остроумие. The Matchmaker's Request е увлекателна като приказка и разтегна лицевите ми мускули до край. И тъй като основната мисия на четенето за мен е да откривам емоции, то този път срещнах ведрост и останах очарована!
* " Има моменти, когато трябва да се смятаме за по-силни от нещастията, които ни сполетяват. Ако им позволим да контролират нас и нашето бъдещо щастие, тогава нашето нещастие става победител.”
* " Има моменти, когато трябва да се смятаме за по-силни от нещастията, които ни сполетяват. Ако им позволим да контролират нас и нашето бъдещо щастие, тогава нашето нещастие става победител.”
September 30, 2024
My favorite yet?
I am so in love with Matthew and the story was once again fantastically romantic. I believe I need more handsome Matthews in my life, but right now I am eager to start the next book.
I am so in love with Matthew and the story was once again fantastically romantic. I believe I need more handsome Matthews in my life, but right now I am eager to start the next book.
January 31, 2022
I've read a surprising number of Newbold's books. I say surprising because I only noticed this when I looked into it. And even when I saw the books I had read form her I couldn't remember them. Which is not good, not bad, but not great.
I realise that I either really dislike the book or feel pretty apathetic towards it and this entry falls into the latter.
Cassandra is a spinster at 27 (maybe 29?) and her family convinces her to have another season to try and find her husband. Plans are put in motion with her aunt agreeing to take her to London along with Cassandra's cousin.
To increase her chances of success, her brother asks a friend of his, Matthew, to play matchmaker. Matthew agrees because he's eager to escape the machinations of matchmaking mothers at his estate and he enjoys matchmaking, since he's firm in his resolution never to marry.
Cassandra and Matthew are almost immediately drawn to each other. She doesn't think he'll ever let go of his decision never to marry to resigns herself to finding a suitable match and he fights his attraction to her because of aforementioned decision.
This was....boring. Cassandra never seemed fully developed and she came across as a little bit of a "she's not like other women" caricature. She more had a list of quirks than an actual personality. Matthew also seemed really flat. And together they do not spark.
I also thought this story was allll one note. Matthew meets Cassandra, they have a quirky conversation, he feels drawn to her but reflects on how damaging love is (eye roll), she reflects on how attractive and amazing Matthew is but reminds herself he'll never marry. Rinse repeat, rinse repeat. Thrown in there is Cassandra's aunt who wants Matthew for her daughter and threatens Cassandra with being sent home to make it happen. Even this didn't add a lot of tension to the plot.
And here's what I think would have made this book far better - make it one POV from Cassandra's perspective. Not all romance novels have to be dual POV. In fact, there should be a reason for have multiple POVs. Maybe there's a central plot where each character is on different paths. Maybe it's one where one character needs to add their voice because their actions are at odds with who they are. It shouldn't just be there. In this case having both POVs really undercut the story. Cassandra's fears about Matthew, or finding a match or her aunt's threats all felt superfluous since we knew how Matthew felt. Likewise Matthew's thoughts about love being damaging didn't feel grounded because we knew how Cassandra felt.
With just one POV all the stakes are raised because we are more immersed in Cassandra's world.
All in all, I didn't hate it but it was boring.
Also I realise the reason I keep coming back for Newbold even through her writing style and my reading preferences don't mesh, is her plot synopses are soooo good. So bet I'll be back for Lord Blackwell's book!
I realise that I either really dislike the book or feel pretty apathetic towards it and this entry falls into the latter.
Cassandra is a spinster at 27 (maybe 29?) and her family convinces her to have another season to try and find her husband. Plans are put in motion with her aunt agreeing to take her to London along with Cassandra's cousin.
To increase her chances of success, her brother asks a friend of his, Matthew, to play matchmaker. Matthew agrees because he's eager to escape the machinations of matchmaking mothers at his estate and he enjoys matchmaking, since he's firm in his resolution never to marry.
Cassandra and Matthew are almost immediately drawn to each other. She doesn't think he'll ever let go of his decision never to marry to resigns herself to finding a suitable match and he fights his attraction to her because of aforementioned decision.
This was....boring. Cassandra never seemed fully developed and she came across as a little bit of a "she's not like other women" caricature. She more had a list of quirks than an actual personality. Matthew also seemed really flat. And together they do not spark.
I also thought this story was allll one note. Matthew meets Cassandra, they have a quirky conversation, he feels drawn to her but reflects on how damaging love is (eye roll), she reflects on how attractive and amazing Matthew is but reminds herself he'll never marry. Rinse repeat, rinse repeat. Thrown in there is Cassandra's aunt who wants Matthew for her daughter and threatens Cassandra with being sent home to make it happen. Even this didn't add a lot of tension to the plot.
And here's what I think would have made this book far better - make it one POV from Cassandra's perspective. Not all romance novels have to be dual POV. In fact, there should be a reason for have multiple POVs. Maybe there's a central plot where each character is on different paths. Maybe it's one where one character needs to add their voice because their actions are at odds with who they are. It shouldn't just be there. In this case having both POVs really undercut the story. Cassandra's fears about Matthew, or finding a match or her aunt's threats all felt superfluous since we knew how Matthew felt. Likewise Matthew's thoughts about love being damaging didn't feel grounded because we knew how Cassandra felt.
With just one POV all the stakes are raised because we are more immersed in Cassandra's world.
All in all, I didn't hate it but it was boring.
Also I realise the reason I keep coming back for Newbold even through her writing style and my reading preferences don't mesh, is her plot synopses are soooo good. So bet I'll be back for Lord Blackwell's book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2023
True fact, not a spoiler: Ashtyn Newbold is very good at Regency Era authoring. I have been completely delighted with this entire series. Newbold's superpower is setting up that all important first kiss for maximum oomph. She does a great job of making it the culmination of the romance, which given the chaste historical time period, is a an achievement.
Bravo, and I'm looking forward to the fifth and final book in the series.
Bravo, and I'm looking forward to the fifth and final book in the series.
April 25, 2025
Ahhhhh my heart🤭 That was sooooo cute! I ADORED the two MCs, and they truly deserve each other. Definitely my fav of the series
February 1, 2022
Simplistic is the essence of all Beauty - and this one truly epitomises that maxim.
We've already been introduced to both these characters and boy, this book is just pure romance. Simple and straightforward , especially keeping the characters in mind.Both the mcs are very kind empathetic individuals who have always looked out for their loved ones.
I'm looking forward to the final part involving Lord Blackmoor. 🤞
Recommended: 👍 absolutely . Can be read as a standalone too.
We've already been introduced to both these characters and boy, this book is just pure romance. Simple and straightforward , especially keeping the characters in mind.Both the mcs are very kind empathetic individuals who have always looked out for their loved ones.
I'm looking forward to the final part involving Lord Blackmoor. 🤞
Recommended: 👍 absolutely . Can be read as a standalone too.
January 18, 2023
3.5 stars
It was a fun read when I was sick and needing something lighthearted. There were some laugh out loud moments.
I wasn't sure why the hero had to be styled as a "matchmaker", which made the plot border on the ridiculous. I feel like it would have been much more believable and still more or less the same novel (albeit with a different title) if the guy was just standing in for the heroine's brother and functioning in that role. Same result without the awkwardness of being called a matchmaker, which did not fit his personality. Offhand comments were made that he enjoyed matchmaking and had experience with it but no examples given and it was not otherwise substantiated in any way.
But. It's not really the sort of book to take so seriously so I still enjoyed it.
It was a fun read when I was sick and needing something lighthearted. There were some laugh out loud moments.
I wasn't sure why the hero had to be styled as a "matchmaker", which made the plot border on the ridiculous. I feel like it would have been much more believable and still more or less the same novel (albeit with a different title) if the guy was just standing in for the heroine's brother and functioning in that role. Same result without the awkwardness of being called a matchmaker, which did not fit his personality. Offhand comments were made that he enjoyed matchmaking and had experience with it but no examples given and it was not otherwise substantiated in any way.
But. It's not really the sort of book to take so seriously so I still enjoyed it.
December 11, 2023
This book has been screaming read me for months and I’m thrilled to have finally read it. It was so much fun watching Matthew finally fall and Casandra was perfect for him. Their relationship and banter was adorable. Fantastic book!
August 15, 2023
3.5 stars.
If people weren't always laughing for no reason, this would be 4 stars.
If people weren't always laughing for no reason, this would be 4 stars.
March 13, 2022
I always look forward to a new book from Ashtyn Newbold so I was highly anticipating The Matchmaker’s Request. Not only did I love both Matthew and Cassandra in the previous books in the Larkhall Letters series, but the premise was incredibly intriguing and I was so excited about the match in store for these beloved characters. I’m so happy to say the book lived up to my expectations!
The plot was totally engrossing and I adored it from the first page: a man determined never to marry is asked to be a matchmaker for his friend’s spinster sister…only to fall for her himself, even if he’s too stubborn against love to realize what’s happened! The matchmaker trope is fun and not one I get to read too often, so it was so wonderful to see it unfold with Ashtyn Newbold’s beautiful writing and delightful characters. I enjoyed not only the fun plot but the journey as the characters work together in the matchmaking scheme, form a friendship, and then—to their surprise—fall in love. There were so many wonderful moments—from the cute first meeting, the many humorous interactions, to the abundance of many adorable and utterly romantic scenes. Our hero and heroine had such wonderful chemistry and fantastic banter. It truly was such a delight to experience the journey of them coming together.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Cassandra and really related to her as a character. I too am of “spinster age” according to Regency standards, single, and often feel unique and unconventional, so I especially loved reading about Cassandra and her journey; it was like watching the unfolding story of a kindred spirit. She was such a delightful and refreshing heroine, a free spirit who was so sweet, whimsical, and full of life. Matthew also was a fantastic, swoon-worthy hero whom I adored…even if he was a bit slow to realize his true feelings. But he was so honorable and kind in so many ways and had been hurt so badly in the past that I can forgive the dear man for that. He and Cassandra were perfect for one another and I loved watching them together.
The only thing about the story that I didn’t love is simply a personal trigger: I really struggle when characters suffer from emotional abuse, especially at the hands of those who are supposed to care for them, and Cassandra had many instances where she had to suffer terrible emotional treatment at the hands of her aunt. Those scenes were very difficult to read, though they were necessary for the plot and growth of the characters, so I understand why they were included. It was wonderful and incredibly satisfying seeing Cassandra overcome and triumph over her difficulties in order to seize her happily ever after with her beloved Matthew. Despite hating the aunt’s horrible mistreatment towards her niece, I was still able to thoroughly enjoy the story, which was wonderful in every other way.
Overall The Matchmaker’s Request was such a fantastic story that I thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend. I’m so excited for not only the final installment in this series but for whatever Ashtyn Newbold writes next!
The plot was totally engrossing and I adored it from the first page: a man determined never to marry is asked to be a matchmaker for his friend’s spinster sister…only to fall for her himself, even if he’s too stubborn against love to realize what’s happened! The matchmaker trope is fun and not one I get to read too often, so it was so wonderful to see it unfold with Ashtyn Newbold’s beautiful writing and delightful characters. I enjoyed not only the fun plot but the journey as the characters work together in the matchmaking scheme, form a friendship, and then—to their surprise—fall in love. There were so many wonderful moments—from the cute first meeting, the many humorous interactions, to the abundance of many adorable and utterly romantic scenes. Our hero and heroine had such wonderful chemistry and fantastic banter. It truly was such a delight to experience the journey of them coming together.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Cassandra and really related to her as a character. I too am of “spinster age” according to Regency standards, single, and often feel unique and unconventional, so I especially loved reading about Cassandra and her journey; it was like watching the unfolding story of a kindred spirit. She was such a delightful and refreshing heroine, a free spirit who was so sweet, whimsical, and full of life. Matthew also was a fantastic, swoon-worthy hero whom I adored…even if he was a bit slow to realize his true feelings. But he was so honorable and kind in so many ways and had been hurt so badly in the past that I can forgive the dear man for that. He and Cassandra were perfect for one another and I loved watching them together.
The only thing about the story that I didn’t love is simply a personal trigger: I really struggle when characters suffer from emotional abuse, especially at the hands of those who are supposed to care for them, and Cassandra had many instances where she had to suffer terrible emotional treatment at the hands of her aunt. Those scenes were very difficult to read, though they were necessary for the plot and growth of the characters, so I understand why they were included. It was wonderful and incredibly satisfying seeing Cassandra overcome and triumph over her difficulties in order to seize her happily ever after with her beloved Matthew. Despite hating the aunt’s horrible mistreatment towards her niece, I was still able to thoroughly enjoy the story, which was wonderful in every other way.
Overall The Matchmaker’s Request was such a fantastic story that I thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend. I’m so excited for not only the final installment in this series but for whatever Ashtyn Newbold writes next!
February 10, 2022
I just truly enjoy all of Miss Newbold’s books. I feel happy while I’m reading them and when I’m finished! Cassandra was such a fun character. She was quirky and kind. Matthew has had my attention since book one and for good reason. He is a sweet attractive man! And now I can’t wait for book 5!! Tell me more Lord Blackwell!
January 30, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
Simply delightful! This series is such happiness for me. Adored! I adored Cassandra and Matthew. They were such fun and I enjoyed all their moments together. On a side note her aunt was atrocious! But it made them getting together even sweeter.
Simply delightful! This series is such happiness for me. Adored! I adored Cassandra and Matthew. They were such fun and I enjoyed all their moments together. On a side note her aunt was atrocious! But it made them getting together even sweeter.
January 29, 2022
I love that the theme tying this series together is letters. But the letter in each book is used in very different ways. Someone asking a friend to be a matchmaker to a sister is kind of a unique way to go about it. In fact I think we are less likely to see a male matchmaker in most matchmaker stories. I love a matchmaker trope, so this was a fun book for me. The story is somewhat predictable and in fact even has a bit of foreshadowing at the start so it is no surprise to watch the love come about.
Another favorite thing for me in a regency era romance is to see women who break the societal mode. Cassandra is not exactly one to follow the rigid rules of society. I mean really, walking barefoot in the grass? Unacceptable. And a woman who loves bugs and things? Yeah, she doesn't fit the norm. It kind of surprised me that she had so many suitors, even if some were less than honorable. And while I disliked her aunt a lot, I did feel some sorrow for the cousin. To have such a mother.... Eww.
I enjoyed the playful banter between Cassandra and Matthew. The sense of humor of one, totally fit the other. Well matched.
Overall, it is an enjoyable story even if Matthew is a bit slow to come to terms with his feelings. I think the only thing that would have added to my enjoyment would have been to see them return home after marrying and meeting Matthew's aunt and the awful woman and mother that were trying to entrap him in the sitting room where he would introduce his new wife. Facial expressions would have been priceless. But I'm just a little vindictive. It wouldn't really add to the story itself. It would just add to my personal vengeful nature. Haha.
No sex, language or violence
Another favorite thing for me in a regency era romance is to see women who break the societal mode. Cassandra is not exactly one to follow the rigid rules of society. I mean really, walking barefoot in the grass? Unacceptable. And a woman who loves bugs and things? Yeah, she doesn't fit the norm. It kind of surprised me that she had so many suitors, even if some were less than honorable. And while I disliked her aunt a lot, I did feel some sorrow for the cousin. To have such a mother.... Eww.
I enjoyed the playful banter between Cassandra and Matthew. The sense of humor of one, totally fit the other. Well matched.
Overall, it is an enjoyable story even if Matthew is a bit slow to come to terms with his feelings. I think the only thing that would have added to my enjoyment would have been to see them return home after marrying and meeting Matthew's aunt and the awful woman and mother that were trying to entrap him in the sitting room where he would introduce his new wife. Facial expressions would have been priceless. But I'm just a little vindictive. It wouldn't really add to the story itself. It would just add to my personal vengeful nature. Haha.
No sex, language or violence
January 16, 2023
This was an entirely sweet, swoony, and fun regency read. There’s definitely some matchmaking going on in more than one way, and Cassandra and Matthew’s playfulness and ease together from the very start were just the best. Plus, Cassandra gave me some Anne of Green Gable’s vibes personality-wise and I just loved her!
Things I Loved:
-Their meet-cute 😂
-Handsome
-“She was unapologetically herself, which Matthew believed showed the purest form of maturity.”
-“I suspect you would be surprised by how many hearts you’ve stolen unintentionally. I would wager you’re a thief and you don’t even know it.”
-“Only steal a heart you plan on keeping. Too often that courtesy is ignored.”
-Delamouse
-Hallucinating about larks 😂
-Disguise
-The list
-The dessert 😂
-Hawkthorne (so fitting, I just hated her, lol!)
-The whole end & epilogue. All the feels!
This was my first read by Ashtyn Newbold, and let’s just say that I’ve added the rest of the series to my TBR.
Things I Loved:
-Their meet-cute 😂
-Handsome
-“She was unapologetically herself, which Matthew believed showed the purest form of maturity.”
-“I suspect you would be surprised by how many hearts you’ve stolen unintentionally. I would wager you’re a thief and you don’t even know it.”
-“Only steal a heart you plan on keeping. Too often that courtesy is ignored.”
-Delamouse
-Hallucinating about larks 😂
-Disguise
-The list
-The dessert 😂
-Hawkthorne (so fitting, I just hated her, lol!)
-The whole end & epilogue. All the feels!
This was my first read by Ashtyn Newbold, and let’s just say that I’ve added the rest of the series to my TBR.
January 10, 2024
What a fun read! I can't remember much about this series (I forget the contents of most books after only a couple of months), but I loved the concept of this one. A male young attractive matchmaker. It was a trope I hadn't read yet, but loved. Matthew Northcott had decided he will never marry or fall in love. Therefore, watching him fall was even sweeter. I also felt a great connection to the heroine, Cassandra. She has a lot of insecurities she hides, but she is also old enough to be set in her ways and not bend and break in what society wants. I thoroughly enjoyed their banter and have never loved antelopes more.
August 7, 2024
Stevie Wonder wants his royalties, because this book signed, sealed, delivered. It was a deliciously handsome game of hawk and mouse and I can’t think of a single bad thing to say… ;) There were many laugh out loud moments and the characters were simply captivating! My teeth is are aching from the sweetness - this was dessert. 🧁
March 26, 2025
Loved it. My favorite in the series. It’s not clever or unique but it’s sweet and funny and heartwarming. Two damaged hearts finding the courage to love again, then choosing to love each other. Cassandra we only met in the last book but she’s such a great character she’s easy to love. We met Matthew in the first book so I was anxious to read his story at long last. I love these two together. The pacing is good. The villain is actually villainous, not just a plot point, and there is actually a comeuppance which is very satisfying, unlike the first three books. I’m glad I stuck with the series.
January 13, 2024
Loved Matthew! This story was so fulfilling! I truly enjoyed how he and Cassandra connected! Ashtyn really knows how to take you into their world!
March 18, 2022
Cassandra, several years older than most of the fashionable young misses in town for the Season, needs help if she's to secure a match. When her brother and his wife are unable to accompany her to town, they turn to an old friend who they hope can help her make the right connections: Matthew Northcott. Matthew himself has vowed never to marry, but he's not averse to helping other people find their own matches. Thus begins a friendship that, on the surface, is all about introducing Cassandra to other men. But as time goes by, she finds that she has little attention to give to any of them... except for Matthew, the unavailable.
This is a sweet and light Regency romance. It's easy reading, and the pages fly by pretty effortlessly! Matthew and Cassandra are both likable, slightly quirky characters whose compatibility is all too apparent to everyone but them!
There's quite a bit of setup for the next book, which seems to feature a (redeemable?) scoundrel and has me very much intrigued!
This is a sweet and light Regency romance. It's easy reading, and the pages fly by pretty effortlessly! Matthew and Cassandra are both likable, slightly quirky characters whose compatibility is all too apparent to everyone but them!
There's quite a bit of setup for the next book, which seems to feature a (redeemable?) scoundrel and has me very much intrigued!
March 31, 2025
Re-Read: March 2025
Upping my rating to 5 stars! I had the worst day today and this book managed to put a smile on my face, so I think that makes it worthy of 5 stars.
This book was so cute omg! I have no idea why I only gave it 4 stars the first time I read it. While this book isn't reinventing the wheel or anything, it gave me exactly what I was looking for. Cassandra and Matthew were really well-developed characters that were perfect for each other. We met both of them in previous books, but it was nice to see the story from their POV. They both seemed a bit sad when they were introduced, so it was nice to see them (especially Matthew!) get their HEA :)
Original Review
I forgot to review this when I finished it, but I really liked this! Like the previous books in the series, it was a really simple but sweet romance. The main couple was older and more mature which set them apart from the previous couples. I wish they had more scenes together though! That's why I'm rating this 4 instead of 5 stars.
Upping my rating to 5 stars! I had the worst day today and this book managed to put a smile on my face, so I think that makes it worthy of 5 stars.
This book was so cute omg! I have no idea why I only gave it 4 stars the first time I read it. While this book isn't reinventing the wheel or anything, it gave me exactly what I was looking for. Cassandra and Matthew were really well-developed characters that were perfect for each other. We met both of them in previous books, but it was nice to see the story from their POV. They both seemed a bit sad when they were introduced, so it was nice to see them (especially Matthew!) get their HEA :)
Original Review
I forgot to review this when I finished it, but I really liked this! Like the previous books in the series, it was a really simple but sweet romance. The main couple was older and more mature which set them apart from the previous couples. I wish they had more scenes together though! That's why I'm rating this 4 instead of 5 stars.
February 2, 2022
Definitely one of my favorites in this series! 4.5 stars. I have been waiting for Matthew's story since the first book. Love the unique idea of a male matchmaker and the connection between Matthew and Cassandra felt so real. Their inside jokes were so fun and as their feelings grew, so did the flirty tension and chemistry. (Not sure I will ever think of antelopes the same way again!)
There were a few debutantes that give women a bad name and an aunt you love to hate but their characters just showed how different and unexpected Cassandra is.
This is part of a series but can be read standalone (but really, you don't want to miss the other books) and it definitely sets things up for book 5. Cannot wait to read Margaret and Lord Blackwell's story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.
There were a few debutantes that give women a bad name and an aunt you love to hate but their characters just showed how different and unexpected Cassandra is.
This is part of a series but can be read standalone (but really, you don't want to miss the other books) and it definitely sets things up for book 5. Cannot wait to read Margaret and Lord Blackwell's story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.
February 3, 2022
3.5 stars - fun read
Fun to read. I enjoyed Matthew and Cassandra’s story! Cassandra wasn’t as “free-spirited” as I was afraid so they made a good match. I enjoyed the chemistry that came from the matchmaker situation but sometimes it did feel a little forced. I enjoyed how many interactions they had. Most clean regency novels are severely lacking in any sort of tension and their plots aren’t compelling but this had both. High 3.5 stars
Also: my biggest issue. There was so much talk about love and what it was and then talked about how they had felt it before. I wanted there to be discussion of how love is all those feelings plus commitment, respect, character, etc. because if he’d felt all these same feelings before then what’s the difference? What’s to change from either of them feeling these feelings for someone else 20 years down the road, etc.
Fun to read. I enjoyed Matthew and Cassandra’s story! Cassandra wasn’t as “free-spirited” as I was afraid so they made a good match. I enjoyed the chemistry that came from the matchmaker situation but sometimes it did feel a little forced. I enjoyed how many interactions they had. Most clean regency novels are severely lacking in any sort of tension and their plots aren’t compelling but this had both. High 3.5 stars
Also: my biggest issue. There was so much talk about love and what it was and then talked about how they had felt it before. I wanted there to be discussion of how love is all those feelings plus commitment, respect, character, etc. because if he’d felt all these same feelings before then what’s the difference? What’s to change from either of them feeling these feelings for someone else 20 years down the road, etc.
February 14, 2022
I read quite a few Historical Fiction books that tend to deal with some heavy issues...and love it, but when I'm looking for something light-hearted and fun in between, I know I can count on Ashtyn Newbold's books. Her characterizations are excellent and you become attached quite quickly. Matthew and Cassandra's love story is unique and if you've read the previous Larkhall Letters, you are just waiting for Matthew to find his happy ending and it was perfect.
February 13, 2022
Another book I finished in one sitting. :) Short and sweet, this is perfect if you're looking for something quick and entertaining with a healthy dose of gentle romance. I really look forward to reading more from this author!
May 5, 2022
**Actually a 4.5-rating**
My taking away of a 0.5-star rating is so minuscule, but I do want to make more of a note here, for myself. I don't need minor book characters who are against my MCs to be caricature evil incarnate. I was not sure WHOM Cassandra's Aunt Hawthorne was reminding me of, but, man...yeah, it gave me gut pains to keep reading how she got worse and worse. Any other writer would've cashed in on a nice facial slap from Auntie to niece, except Newbold makes some truly smart, stimulating choices--for story and characters--where I was secretly sighing in my heart.
Oh, don't get me wrong the Auntie's horrific treatment of Cassandra gave way to so much good Angst and Drama, also putting a ticking-tock time limit on how far WOULD Matthew have gone before he allowed another man to steal his girl? Hehehe, but what gets my languishing heart LIFE was a series of paragraphed dialogue bits from Matthew to Cassandra where... GOT-DAMN!! it's been awhile since a sweet, heartfelt, genuine falling-in-love-as-we-read romance has made me swoony like this.
KUDOS to Newbold and such a revitalizing moment when this is the 4th book in a continual, and connective series of books. And I did not enjoy Book 3, rated it low, when Book 1-2 were such outstanding additions, as well.
I do recall Matthew being throughout this series, so there is a feeling one gets that we will eventually get his story, his book, down the line. So this is him. I forgot that he was adamantly opposing marriage and, even the Marriage Mart. But what cornered him in some dreadful areas was his NEED or...maybe, verve to be MATCHMAKER. And he seems quite proud of it.
But, it almost feels like Austen's EMMA--thinking highly of themself, as THEY know better than anyone.--except genders are reversed and he has had his own heartbroken when he was [himself] coming out into the world of marriage and love when he was young and naive to women's wiles..
I LOVED that we get Matthew first. And in a really godawful moment of... his own Matchmaking Auntie and...[sorry, can't recall the poor girl's name, nor her Mom's] but a Mamma and her daughter who are masterminding w/ Matthew's Aunt to naively, or innocently, entrap him in some compromising position. Create a scandal for no reason as if Matthew has no good qualities on offer.
I loved, also, how Matthew could SEE... easily detect the ways in which the women around him were scaling the insurmountable walls around him to force him to either PROPOSE, right then and there, or, maybe cause enough of a ruckus to coerce him to pursue the daughter.
But, yeah, he is not one who suffers Fools or the foolish--nor Plays games. He gets an easy out of his current situation by the couple from Book 3, Jake and Louisa. The heroine of this is book is Cassandra, Jake's older sister... at only 27yrs old. She has been on the market every season, except no prospects have come. She is nearly prepared to BE a Spinster because she knows how odd and unusual she tends to be for most men looking for wives.
This is going to be Cassandra's LAST season [in HER mind] and she is frustrated with Jack because HE assumes he knows how to hunt a great husband for her. So he is going to ASK or invite [?] Matthew, who is well-known in the family circle as a great Matchmaker. This is also going to help Matthew in escaping the recent scandal that has haunted him around Larkhall, with his Auntie and the masterminding Mom/Daughter...so he takes the offer.
Cassandra and Matthew HAVE met previous times, but all rather singular and not very memorable, like they know OF one another. This is awesome because it still feels like strangers meeting, even though they have so many people in common; they, themselves, have never once connected.
Before Cassandra is on her way to London for the Season, she happens to overhear Jake telling his wife, Louisa...HE is hopeful he is the "real" matchmaker and Matthew and Cassandra will fall in love. It feels like such a... wasted attempt to Cassandra because 1] She doesn't want to go and put herself on display, because she's almost set on never getting proposed to or having a man LOVE her, romantically...2] Jake & Lousia WERE going to be the ones who sponsored Cassandra on this trip, but Lousia is newly pregnant and Jake is highly protective. Now it is a distant Auntie who has her own marriageable daughter, who she thinks OUTSHINES Spinster Cassandra, who will drag her along to London with them...and 3] Cassandra kind of already knows Matthew has NO want of a wife, nor love in a marriage and to Cassandra, this feels like her brother is kind of shoving her out the door before she actually has a good prospect or even KNOWN QUANTITIES to even consider love or marriage. I may even throw in that it makes Cassandra feel even more unlovable because her own brother has to COERCE men to help her out like she has nothing to offer eligible men.
I genuinely enjoyed Cassandra and Matthew's re-meeting, and how it delves so quickly into a humorous and companionable friendship. Even though Cassandra did confess enough to Matthew to help him along, the EVIL INCARNATE of what her Auntie began to do to her...especially the downright cruel attempts to sabotage even the slightest interest in her... went to some levels of mental and emotional abuse at times. And I wished Cassandra had felt, or simply went ahead without care and confessed even more... even deeper things to Matthew. His interest was there right from the start because Cassandra instantly was not only attractive to him but he felt an immediate need to protect her... not simply as Matchmaker, but also... holding integrity with Jake, her brother, and his friend...so, yeah, Matthew's POV tended to have so many inner battles and sincere soul-searching.
I loved that we didn't have to hear Matthew repeat his heartbreak sob story... and that once Cassandra had fully gained his trust... it was the ONE WAY we could see and understand he was shifting and changing, possibly falling in love. He was such a closed book on explanations, even to the reader, so it was so damn authentic that when he DID end up confessing how his heart was broken, it was only for Cassandra to hear, but readers could listen in.
I think what endeared this couple to me, even more, was that... Cassandra's oddness...her quirk-i-ness, if you will, to most men was EXACTLY what made Matthew fall in love, but also it healed his heart. He made mention of this a few times because there was no way he was going to let his Matchmaker skills cause Cassandra to leave too early without a proper proposal. It only took him awhile to figure out HE wanted to do the proposing.
The unusualness of Cassandra also offered a very warped and "guess you had to be there" humor, which Matthew instantly understood and was almost devouring those particular moments because it took him out of his melancholy, also his head, and put him smack dab in the moments with Cassandra. Cassandra, herself, was the one who allowed Matthew to simply BE, accepting him, even when, or IF, he never wanted to confess his heartbreak story. I always enjoy authors who write such symbiotic attention to minor details that can enrich and enliven companionable friendships that eventually bloom into falling in love. I thrive off that kind of delicate attention to detail as a writer, then a reader.
The particular scene I mentioned at the start of this was...hmm, well past the halfway mark, deep into Matthew having stated emphatically enough times HE was not in London to marry, but merely help Cassandra...
To help out their matchmaking relationship, sometimes meeting secretly in a garden in disguises in public...Matthew claims he is about to "test" Cassandra on how he will know when Cassandra is going to be ready for marriage-- a series of questions he will ask her. Except as he does...he mistakenly creates a scenario where he could be talking about his own growing feelings for Cassandra or [from Cassandra's POV] Cassandra's growing feelings for Matthew...and it was part sexy and a whole lotta Swoon-i-ness for me, which I have not felt between two solid and sound MCs in a very long time.
Ultimately it's my TOP scene of this book; that scene deserves a re-read because while I was reading, I could not absorb the words fast enough because it was turning into a Hollywood film in my mind...I was immersed so eloquently into my consciousness that I FELT emotions and I could SEE Matthew [the Actor portraying him] DO-ing and SAY-ing those wonderful words as he utters through his series of questions, which end up being 2 pages of 3-4 broken paragraphs of continuous dialogue--simply from HIM... whoo! wow...
I also, have enjoyed immensely that minor characters, of certain value or intent, are treated with some delicate care. I was intrigued by Matthew in his initial "feelings" toward Lord Blackwell, who has been another staple character in this connective series. He almost becomes one of Cassandra's prospects, during the season, but Matthew immediately swayed her away...except he keeps showing up to all the dinners, parties, and galas, so it is tough to ignore him completely. What was interesting is Matthew's treatment of him grows everchanging, which led to me thinking Lord Blackwell could possibly be the next book Hero... and he is...but under such confusing yet scintillating story prospects as only Ashtyn Newbold can unwind...but, yeah, I will be here for all of it, rest assured.
Oh, and this gorgeous cover gives me Life. I assume what it does for me is allow me to understand that as I age, it is no longer about "less clothes/naked abs" but how a man wears his clothes. Layers this beautiful and gorgeous are simply chef's kiss!! This cover is sexier to me than any name-brand underwear ad...jus' sayin'...
My taking away of a 0.5-star rating is so minuscule, but I do want to make more of a note here, for myself. I don't need minor book characters who are against my MCs to be caricature evil incarnate. I was not sure WHOM Cassandra's Aunt Hawthorne was reminding me of, but, man...yeah, it gave me gut pains to keep reading how she got worse and worse. Any other writer would've cashed in on a nice facial slap from Auntie to niece, except Newbold makes some truly smart, stimulating choices--for story and characters--where I was secretly sighing in my heart.
Oh, don't get me wrong the Auntie's horrific treatment of Cassandra gave way to so much good Angst and Drama, also putting a ticking-tock time limit on how far WOULD Matthew have gone before he allowed another man to steal his girl? Hehehe, but what gets my languishing heart LIFE was a series of paragraphed dialogue bits from Matthew to Cassandra where... GOT-DAMN!! it's been awhile since a sweet, heartfelt, genuine falling-in-love-as-we-read romance has made me swoony like this.
KUDOS to Newbold and such a revitalizing moment when this is the 4th book in a continual, and connective series of books. And I did not enjoy Book 3, rated it low, when Book 1-2 were such outstanding additions, as well.
I do recall Matthew being throughout this series, so there is a feeling one gets that we will eventually get his story, his book, down the line. So this is him. I forgot that he was adamantly opposing marriage and, even the Marriage Mart. But what cornered him in some dreadful areas was his NEED or...maybe, verve to be MATCHMAKER. And he seems quite proud of it.
But, it almost feels like Austen's EMMA--thinking highly of themself, as THEY know better than anyone.--except genders are reversed and he has had his own heartbroken when he was [himself] coming out into the world of marriage and love when he was young and naive to women's wiles..
I LOVED that we get Matthew first. And in a really godawful moment of... his own Matchmaking Auntie and...[sorry, can't recall the poor girl's name, nor her Mom's] but a Mamma and her daughter who are masterminding w/ Matthew's Aunt to naively, or innocently, entrap him in some compromising position. Create a scandal for no reason as if Matthew has no good qualities on offer.
I loved, also, how Matthew could SEE... easily detect the ways in which the women around him were scaling the insurmountable walls around him to force him to either PROPOSE, right then and there, or, maybe cause enough of a ruckus to coerce him to pursue the daughter.
But, yeah, he is not one who suffers Fools or the foolish--nor Plays games. He gets an easy out of his current situation by the couple from Book 3, Jake and Louisa. The heroine of this is book is Cassandra, Jake's older sister... at only 27yrs old. She has been on the market every season, except no prospects have come. She is nearly prepared to BE a Spinster because she knows how odd and unusual she tends to be for most men looking for wives.
This is going to be Cassandra's LAST season [in HER mind] and she is frustrated with Jack because HE assumes he knows how to hunt a great husband for her. So he is going to ASK or invite [?] Matthew, who is well-known in the family circle as a great Matchmaker. This is also going to help Matthew in escaping the recent scandal that has haunted him around Larkhall, with his Auntie and the masterminding Mom/Daughter...so he takes the offer.
Cassandra and Matthew HAVE met previous times, but all rather singular and not very memorable, like they know OF one another. This is awesome because it still feels like strangers meeting, even though they have so many people in common; they, themselves, have never once connected.
Before Cassandra is on her way to London for the Season, she happens to overhear Jake telling his wife, Louisa...HE is hopeful he is the "real" matchmaker and Matthew and Cassandra will fall in love. It feels like such a... wasted attempt to Cassandra because 1] She doesn't want to go and put herself on display, because she's almost set on never getting proposed to or having a man LOVE her, romantically...2] Jake & Lousia WERE going to be the ones who sponsored Cassandra on this trip, but Lousia is newly pregnant and Jake is highly protective. Now it is a distant Auntie who has her own marriageable daughter, who she thinks OUTSHINES Spinster Cassandra, who will drag her along to London with them...and 3] Cassandra kind of already knows Matthew has NO want of a wife, nor love in a marriage and to Cassandra, this feels like her brother is kind of shoving her out the door before she actually has a good prospect or even KNOWN QUANTITIES to even consider love or marriage. I may even throw in that it makes Cassandra feel even more unlovable because her own brother has to COERCE men to help her out like she has nothing to offer eligible men.
I genuinely enjoyed Cassandra and Matthew's re-meeting, and how it delves so quickly into a humorous and companionable friendship. Even though Cassandra did confess enough to Matthew to help him along, the EVIL INCARNATE of what her Auntie began to do to her...especially the downright cruel attempts to sabotage even the slightest interest in her... went to some levels of mental and emotional abuse at times. And I wished Cassandra had felt, or simply went ahead without care and confessed even more... even deeper things to Matthew. His interest was there right from the start because Cassandra instantly was not only attractive to him but he felt an immediate need to protect her... not simply as Matchmaker, but also... holding integrity with Jake, her brother, and his friend...so, yeah, Matthew's POV tended to have so many inner battles and sincere soul-searching.
I loved that we didn't have to hear Matthew repeat his heartbreak sob story... and that once Cassandra had fully gained his trust... it was the ONE WAY we could see and understand he was shifting and changing, possibly falling in love. He was such a closed book on explanations, even to the reader, so it was so damn authentic that when he DID end up confessing how his heart was broken, it was only for Cassandra to hear, but readers could listen in.
I think what endeared this couple to me, even more, was that... Cassandra's oddness...her quirk-i-ness, if you will, to most men was EXACTLY what made Matthew fall in love, but also it healed his heart. He made mention of this a few times because there was no way he was going to let his Matchmaker skills cause Cassandra to leave too early without a proper proposal. It only took him awhile to figure out HE wanted to do the proposing.
The unusualness of Cassandra also offered a very warped and "guess you had to be there" humor, which Matthew instantly understood and was almost devouring those particular moments because it took him out of his melancholy, also his head, and put him smack dab in the moments with Cassandra. Cassandra, herself, was the one who allowed Matthew to simply BE, accepting him, even when, or IF, he never wanted to confess his heartbreak story. I always enjoy authors who write such symbiotic attention to minor details that can enrich and enliven companionable friendships that eventually bloom into falling in love. I thrive off that kind of delicate attention to detail as a writer, then a reader.
The particular scene I mentioned at the start of this was...hmm, well past the halfway mark, deep into Matthew having stated emphatically enough times HE was not in London to marry, but merely help Cassandra...
To help out their matchmaking relationship, sometimes meeting secretly in a garden in disguises in public...Matthew claims he is about to "test" Cassandra on how he will know when Cassandra is going to be ready for marriage-- a series of questions he will ask her. Except as he does...he mistakenly creates a scenario where he could be talking about his own growing feelings for Cassandra or [from Cassandra's POV] Cassandra's growing feelings for Matthew...and it was part sexy and a whole lotta Swoon-i-ness for me, which I have not felt between two solid and sound MCs in a very long time.
Ultimately it's my TOP scene of this book; that scene deserves a re-read because while I was reading, I could not absorb the words fast enough because it was turning into a Hollywood film in my mind...I was immersed so eloquently into my consciousness that I FELT emotions and I could SEE Matthew [the Actor portraying him] DO-ing and SAY-ing those wonderful words as he utters through his series of questions, which end up being 2 pages of 3-4 broken paragraphs of continuous dialogue--simply from HIM... whoo! wow...
I also, have enjoyed immensely that minor characters, of certain value or intent, are treated with some delicate care. I was intrigued by Matthew in his initial "feelings" toward Lord Blackwell, who has been another staple character in this connective series. He almost becomes one of Cassandra's prospects, during the season, but Matthew immediately swayed her away...except he keeps showing up to all the dinners, parties, and galas, so it is tough to ignore him completely. What was interesting is Matthew's treatment of him grows everchanging, which led to me thinking Lord Blackwell could possibly be the next book Hero... and he is...but under such confusing yet scintillating story prospects as only Ashtyn Newbold can unwind...but, yeah, I will be here for all of it, rest assured.
Oh, and this gorgeous cover gives me Life. I assume what it does for me is allow me to understand that as I age, it is no longer about "less clothes/naked abs" but how a man wears his clothes. Layers this beautiful and gorgeous are simply chef's kiss!! This cover is sexier to me than any name-brand underwear ad...jus' sayin'...
January 1, 2024
I have a weakness for well-dressed men on book covers, especially when they are alone. I remember seeing this cover and being so drawn to it when thr book was first released.
This is the 4th book in the Larkhall Letters series by Ashtyn Newbold. It is a standalone book, but the characters have been introduced in previous stories. This is especially so of Matthew, who plays a significant roll in those other books. To get more of his back story, you may want to read the series in order, but it isn't necessary for the plot of this one.
I thought there were several humorous moments in this book, as there were in the others. I enjoyed seeing Matthew and Cassandra muddle through the rigors of the London season while doing their best to fight their attraction to each other.
This is the same narrator as in the other books in this series and I've grown accustomed to her reading and the character voices she uses.
This is the 4th book in the Larkhall Letters series by Ashtyn Newbold. It is a standalone book, but the characters have been introduced in previous stories. This is especially so of Matthew, who plays a significant roll in those other books. To get more of his back story, you may want to read the series in order, but it isn't necessary for the plot of this one.
I thought there were several humorous moments in this book, as there were in the others. I enjoyed seeing Matthew and Cassandra muddle through the rigors of the London season while doing their best to fight their attraction to each other.
This is the same narrator as in the other books in this series and I've grown accustomed to her reading and the character voices she uses.
February 18, 2025
[4.5 stars]
This is a humorous and engaging book. Though not my favorite from this author, it is still a good and enjoyable read.
Matthew has a strong presence in the rest of the series and I looked forward to reading his story. Unfortunately, I didn’t love Cassandra nearly as much as him. Her character seemed a little artificial, too odd to be realistic or endearing (as seen in the snail scene at the beginning - huh?). Regardless, I had a good laugh and enjoyed the humor in the book. The antelope dessert scene was especially funny 😊
Perhaps due to how I felt about Cassandra, the romance seemed a little insta-love on Matthew’s side… and the ending bordered on cheesy. All in all it was a good book, though, and definitely worth reading.
Content:
There’s no foul language, violence, or sex. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kissing. There is no mention of faith or God.
Trigger warning - Aunt Lav is quite terrible and acts as an emotionally abusive stepmother figure
This is a humorous and engaging book. Though not my favorite from this author, it is still a good and enjoyable read.
Matthew has a strong presence in the rest of the series and I looked forward to reading his story. Unfortunately, I didn’t love Cassandra nearly as much as him. Her character seemed a little artificial, too odd to be realistic or endearing (as seen in the snail scene at the beginning - huh?). Regardless, I had a good laugh and enjoyed the humor in the book. The antelope dessert scene was especially funny 😊
Perhaps due to how I felt about Cassandra, the romance seemed a little insta-love on Matthew’s side… and the ending bordered on cheesy. All in all it was a good book, though, and definitely worth reading.
Content:
There’s no foul language, violence, or sex. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kissing. There is no mention of faith or God.
Trigger warning - Aunt Lav is quite terrible and acts as an emotionally abusive stepmother figure
December 19, 2025
I absolutely loved The Matchmakers! This was my first book from this author, and I’m already looking forward to reading more of their work.
Both main characters were so well-developed and compelling in their own ways. They each had real strength and depth that made me genuinely invested in their stories from the start. I particularly loved how their initial resistance to being set up created such great tension and banter. The way they kept trying to matchmake for others while being completely oblivious to their own connection was both funny and endearing.
The romance between them felt authentic and swept me right up. Their chemistry was fantastic, and I found myself rooting for them the whole way through. The way their relationship developed felt natural and earned, which made all the sweet moments hit even harder. That scene where they finally admitted their feelings after the disastrous double date they each planned was absolutely perfect.
This was such an enjoyable read from beginning to end.
Both main characters were so well-developed and compelling in their own ways. They each had real strength and depth that made me genuinely invested in their stories from the start. I particularly loved how their initial resistance to being set up created such great tension and banter. The way they kept trying to matchmake for others while being completely oblivious to their own connection was both funny and endearing.
The romance between them felt authentic and swept me right up. Their chemistry was fantastic, and I found myself rooting for them the whole way through. The way their relationship developed felt natural and earned, which made all the sweet moments hit even harder. That scene where they finally admitted their feelings after the disastrous double date they each planned was absolutely perfect.
This was such an enjoyable read from beginning to end.
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